The young Gophers weren't overwhelmed by Wisconsin's Kohl Center and its rowdy student section.
Despite the 2-1 loss, the Gophers mostly outplayed the Badgers on Thursday night and freshman Taylor Cammarata scored the Gophers' only goal. Freshmen also accounted for nine of the Gophers' 32 shots on goal.
Throughout the week, Gophers coach Don Lucia noted how the trip to Wisconsin would be a good challenge for the talented young group. They responded well on Thursday night, but Friday will be much different.
The series finale sold out midway through the day and 15,359 are expected at the Kohl Center tonight. Nearly half that were in attendance on Thursday.
"It was definitely really fun. It was an awesome environment. A lot of students were there. It was really loud," Cammarata said. "Overall, a fun game, but we didn't come out with the win. It was too bad."
Wisconsin has momentum on its side. They've won 11 of their last 13 games at home.
• The Gophers haven't scored much lately. After Thursday night's 2-1 loss, they have totaled just four goals in the last three games, with back-to-back one-goal efforts.
That's not enough for coach Don Lucia. The Gophers' magic number each night is three goals. If they can do that, chances are goaltender Adam Wilcox will take care of the rest.
